Monday, June 29, 2009

It's safe to assume that in the hundreds of interviews Chef Michael Chiarello has given during his long career, he's never been asked his thoughts on Kool-Aid soaked pickles.

Ming Tsai's could sit through another decade's worth of questions and never again be asked, "Who's a better cook, you or your mother?"

When it comes to how celebrity chef interviews should be conducted at the Food & Wine Classic, Average Betty didn't just flip the script; she juiced it and made everyone Jell-O shots. As you'll see in the video, her unique approach exposed these chefs' true personalities in a way you will never see on television.

Average Betty (Sara O'Donnell in real life) is a talented video blogger who mixes sketch comedy and cooking, and while we'd been admiring each other's work for years, we'd never so much as shared an email.

Well, we finally got to meet in Aspen, and it was so much fun picking each other's brain, trading ideas, and discussing the ups and downs of our similar existences as professional online foodies.

After much discussion and several cocktails, we decided that I'm a comedian trapped in a chef's body, and she's a chef trapped in comedian's body. Regardless, we're both searching for the same things – a larger audience to share our creations with, and of course, fame and fortune.

I hope to be collaborating with Average Betty on some future projects, and will be sharing more of her very entertaining work on this blog for your viewing pleasure. Stay tuned and enjoy!

Jell-O shots LOL! Thanks, Chef John, for the great post on Average Betty and the unique flavor she brings to food entertainment. Thanks also for sharing the video! Very funny stuff... and rumor has it you're behind the camera for the Chef Chiarello interview and a few other scenes. Nice work! You and Betty sure make the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen look like a lot of fun!

How in the heck did I miss this until now? She is hilarious! What a natural, and the sound effects were...were...there! . How many bloggers could get Micheal Chiarello to admit he once dipped his pickle in Kool Aid and not turn as red as her hair?